Help, Any cat lovers out there? I got lots of questions for you?

efor1124

2013-04-19 08:47:30 UTC

Congrats on your new baby! As far as shots go, the vet will tell you all she will need in the next few months when you take her in. Normally, cats will get rabies and distemper shots. And she will need flea treatments as well, it's that time of year, but since the people taking care of her now have that going, you're pretty much set. When you do take her to the vet, try to bring a stool sample with you as well. I learned my lesson the hard way when they needed a sample and had to take it from the cat directly. Even if I'm not sure the vet needs it, I bring one to be safe!

Litter and a litter box are a definite need (clumping litter is your best bet, much cleaner!). You'll need bowls, treats and toys, yes, but may also want to look into getting a scratching post as well (guessing they're not declawed or your feelings on doing that, but it'll be something they'll utilize). Also make sure to get her a collar/id tag as well. A collar with a bell helps you both by knowing where she is at all times. They have really cute ID tags you can engrave with her name and your phone in case something happens.

Make sure you get kitten food. My cat currently eats Blue Buffalo, it's expensive, but its one of the best foods available. Whatever you decide to feed her, make sure it's for kittens, kitten food will be properly formulated for her size and growth. Move her up to adult food according to the maker of the food you buy.

Unless the cat is infested with fleas, they really need no bathing, they self clean.

Good luck, your vet can help with more as well as checking at your local pet store, employees are usually pretty knowledgeable on pet care!

The most important thing to remember - cats were worshiped in ancient Egypt... they have not forgotten this :D

Edit: I forgot!! Cats are lactose intolerant, do not give them regular milk. If they want milk, I know Whiskas makes "cat milk", it's a formula specially made for kitty's digestive system. When I got my last cat as a kitten, he wouldn't always eat the solid food, so I used this as a supplement. He loved it! Remember too, wet food is ok, but over time, it's bad for their teeth. Hard food keeps the tartar under control, give wet food on occasion or as a special treat. Also, make sure to get feline Greenies treats later on, they help keep their teeth clean too.

melissa k

2013-04-19 09:32:08 UTC

Good for you for checking and preparing before getting the kitten. I'm afraid your vet gave you some bad advice, though. Kittens really need to stay with mom and littermates until at least 8 weeks of age (10 is better). She may be weaned, but that doesn't mean she's ready to go. Between about 5 and 8 weeks kittens are still learning litter box habits; they are learning how to use feline body language and vocal communication; they are also starting to learn that biting hurts. It won't kill her to take her at this age, but it does put a larger burden on you to teach her these things. No one can teach a kitten like a cat can!

As far as medical care, she should go to the vet as soon as possible. At this age she should get a FVRCP shot (Feline viral rhinotracheitis/calicivirus/panleukopenia) and boosters are usually recommended every 3 - 4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. Panleuk is related to parvo but it's not the same thing. The rabies vaccine can't be given until at least 3 months of age; some vets do 4 months. She should be tested for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficency virus, especially since mom was a stray. She should be de-wormed and may need a repeat treatment after a couple weeks. Take a stool sample to the appointment so the vet can check for parasites.

She will need to be brushed regularly (short haired cats, usually once or twice a week; long haired cats daily or every other day). Cats do a good job of cleaning themselves so you shouldn't have to bathe her at all.

In addition to the supplies you mentioned, she needs a scratching post. The best ones (for most cats) are 3-feet tall and covered in sisal or rope. Top Cat makes a terrific one. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=10290&cmpid=02csegpl&ref=6111&subref=AA&CAWELAID=525357944&catargetid=1570183146&cagpspn=pla

There's a lot of conflicting ideas on diet. I tend to agree with those who feel the bulk of their food should be canned/wet and not dry. This is closer to the original diet of the cat's ancestors. Grain should constitute no more than 10% of their diet. Read labels carefully. Meat (preferably whole but meal is okay; no by-products; the source should be named, i.e. chicken, fish, venison, not "meat") should be the first ingredient. Even better if it's two of the first three (water may be first or second).

Here's some good info on cat communication: http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/cats/tips/cat_communication.html

Cats CAN be trained!! Check out this info on teaching cats tricks and obedience: http://www.clickertraining.com/cattraining?source=navbar

One of the common issues for new kitten owners is being kept awake at night. This article tells you how to prevent that: http://www.anticruelty.org/Crepuscularcats

There's LOTS more I could share but I think that's a good start! I hope it helps. Good luck with your kitty!

?

2013-04-19 09:09:36 UTC

She needs to be vaccinated but I think she may be to young as of right now. Probably in about a month or so. You will need to get her Fvrcp first vac. Shot and her 1 year rabies feline booster, for worming I would do this medication you can get at the vets office. I use it on all five of my cats and it safes on kittens it's call REVOLUTION. Why I suggest revolutions is because it protect again heart worms, round worms, basically all worms, it also kills fleas, flea eggs and ear mites. It's like knocking it all out with one price to pay. Other then that you seem ready to go. Enjoy your kitten, cats are truly special animals.

2016-08-10 12:14:03 UTC

I've a tabby and he's the sweetest cat ever. I adopted him again after I was within the 2nd grade from a Pet's Mart store. He's very cuddly, friendly and glad. He does not play as so much as he used to since he is getting old, (i am 21 now) but he is still affectionate as the day I adopted him. My cat is most absolutely the Garfield type. He is a short-haired cat though. I would suppose that an extended haired cat would shed more... Jillian

loulou

2013-04-19 08:46:45 UTC

get her to the vets when shes settled in more have her wormed and have her injections and just a checkup. petplan insurance are the best to have. also cats love treats!!!!!! literally love them the minute u shake them they run into the room ... cats also love tuna .. u should give it a lil tuna once a week as a treat... there are many different foods... my cats different she hates wet food she only eats dry food and water and sometimes has milk ! ( only give them a little bit of milk once every 2 weeks as a treat too... cats love comfort ! and enjoy playin with string and toys and like to play catch too .. my cat lovessssss being brushed too so get a little kitty brush... they purr first thing in the morning i noticed and at night.. you have to be a little careful of cats tho as there extremely territorial and sometimes may bite and scratch you to tell u to stop strokin them ( not in a horrible way) when a cats tail wags means there angry try going on google and findin more information about there body language and knowing your cat.. first time u get the cat it will hide from you for at least a week jus act normal and speak softly be as loving as you can to them when they pay u a few visits also let them sniff ur hand to get ur scent .. good luck

Mircat

2013-04-19 09:39:37 UTC

I have some serious questions as to the health of your kitten. NO kitten should EVER be weaned at 3 to 4 weeks! This is so wrong it's almost criminal. If weaned, what was the replacement food that was given? It better have been KMR (Kitten Milk Replacement). Kittens are born only knowing how to nurse not to chew so what food was given to the kitten? Even at 6 to 8 weeks some kittens teeth and jaws are not strong enough to eat kitten kibble that's why kibble is mixed with formula to make it into a mush so they can lick it up. Even then some have to be spoon fed because they don't know how to eat.

Reputable breeders and cat people would never separate a kitten from its mother until the kitten is 10 to 12 weeks old because the mom is training the kitten in how to be a cat. For a totally psychologically sound adult animal it should be with mom until that time. The people who are "caring" for these animals are doing a poor job as far as I'm concerned.

The kitten MUST be blood tested for FIV and FeLV. If FIV positive it can live indoors with no other cats and with a stress free and consistent vet care it will have a happy life. If it is positive for FeLV that's fatal and the kitten needs to be put down. It MUST be dewormed, do not do it yourself with OTC stuff because too much damage and harm to the animal can occur. The kitten should NEVER have been treated for fleas at this age. Again, I question the intelligence of the people handling these animals! They can't be treated until they at least 8 weeks old or it can kill them!

If the kitten is going to live indoors and only go outside in a carrier to vet appts then in reality it doesn't need any shots at all including rabies because some preventative shots can cause harm. If it will have any access to outside then every shot the vet has it needs including for URI (Upper Respiratory Infection). It cannot be treated for fleas until it is 8 weeks old and then it should be getting the kitten dosage of Advantage. Don't use flea soaps, sprays, collars, powder, or pills!

1. Talk to your vet about vaccinations after you decide if it will be indoor or outdoor. Your vet will tell you when, if you decide to do it. At 4 month old it needs to be spayed and microchipped. Don't wait!

2. You need a kitten size litter box at first, sides are much lower. At about 6 months you should be able to transfer to regular size litterbox.

3. Your kitten needs kitten food ONLY until it is 1 year old. Kitten kibble and canned kitten food. It should be still eating kitten kibble made into mush with formula at this stage. Never give a cat cow's milk. Most cats are lactose intolerant and will get diarrhea. Goat's milk from dairy sec at the grocery store is okay.

4. You don't need to bathe a cat ever. They clean themselves. If you have an outdoor cat which you should not but if that's what you decide use only a mild shampoo such as baby shampoo or Dawn (only this brand!) dishwashing soap.

5. Don't allow the kitten to roam! Keep it warm, keep it in one room for the next few weeks. Keep toilet lids down as they can drown in there! Keep dryer doors closed as they will go in to sleep and die when you turn it on. Supervise closely if you have a recliner chair as kittens climb up inside furniture and if you recline the chair you can kill it. Do not let the kitten stay in a room unsupervised when you have it out to play.

http://www.2ndchance.info/orphankitten.htm - what should have been done

http://pets.webmd.com/cats/ss/slideshow-foods-your-cat-should-never-eat - food never to feed

http://cats.about.com/cs/kittencare/a/kitcareone.htm

http://cats.about.com/cs/kittencare/a/kitcareone.htm - kitten care

http://www.vetstreet.com/cats/bringing-a-new-kitten-home - what you need

http://www.timberkatz.com/Kitten-Development-Stages.php - as kitten grows

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YLDQMvskH8 - clipping nails video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWFKl_rSpM8 - scruff video